And yet they took to it, says Crockett, "like so many beavers." The expanse to be crossed was very wide, and they knew not how deep they should find the channel.

For some distance the water continued quite shoal.

Gradually it deepened.

Crockett led the way, with a pole in his hand.

Cautiously he sounded the depth before him, lest they should fall into any slough.